Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has urged the UAE to applaud the work of men and women in the medical profession.
In a tweet on World Health Day, Sheikh Mohamed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the efforts of nurses, midwives and others deserved frequent recognition.
World Health Day, sponsored by the World Health Organisation, celebrates the work of all medical staff each year.
Its aim is also to remind political leaders of the critical role the workers play in ensuring the health of patients around the globe.
“On World Health Day, I salute those who dedicate their lives to this profession,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“While medicines may treat, it is their support and care that gives us the hope for a healthier tomorrow.
“Let us recognise the brave medical staff globally who are leading the fight against Covid-19.”
On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation called for 6 million more nurses to be employed worldwide by 2030.
Experts said there was an “alarming shortage” of staff globally, which needed urgent redress.
The nursing workforce worldwide is 27.9 million, an increase of 4.7 million since 2013.
But the WHO said more needed to be done to encourage and support people into the profession.
“If we do not strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce, healthcare systems will be unable to provide efficient and quality care," Eastern Mediterranean director Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari said.
“I call on member states to accelerate efforts and invest in nurses and midwives to address the alarming shortage in this vital health workforce, which is compromising the efficiency and quality of health services in our region.”
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II sent a message of “enduring appreciation and good wishes” to medical workers around the world for World Health Day.
“I want to thank all those working in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence, as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people,” she said.
